How to spot a leak
Leaking Meter
If you can safely access your meter, check for visible signs of leaks from the fixtures or fittings. If you see signs of a leak on the meter, please contact your retailer.
Internal leak
these leaks could be:
- On fixtures and fittings.
- Incorrectly plumbed appliances e.g. washing machines or dishwashers.
- Overflow from a water tank or cistern in the loft.
External leak
these leaks may be underground between the water meter and your property. Not all external leaks are visible however, visible signs of a leak could be:
- Wet or damp patches, sunken areas of grass or paving and areas of lush greenery during dry weather.
- Dripping outside taps or hosepipes.
- Noticeable change in water pressure.
If you have completed the above and are still unable to locate the leak, please contact your retailer for further help.
Leak test
1. Do you know where your meter is?
Yes
You first need to carry out an initial leak test.
- Are there any obvious signs of water running?
- Are any overflow pipes, from water storage or WC cisterns, leaking?
- Are any internal taps or appliances dripping or not turning off properly?
- Are any external taps left running?
No
Contact your water retailer to help you locate it.
2. Did you find a leak?
Yes
As the location of the leak is visible, in most circumstances a water retailer will not grant an allowance.
You are responsible for ensuring the leak is repaired.
No
Before you close at the end of the business day you need to conduct a leak test.
Take a meter reading, if safe to do so. Make sure that all internal/external taps and appliances are off and that no water is being used within the premises. Take another reading when you return the following day. Make sure that you use no water in between taking the readings.
3. Are the readings the same or different?
Same
If the reading is the same then there is no leakage.
Different
Where is your meter located?
4. Is your meter located inside or outside?
Inside
If the meter is internal then the leak must also be inside the premises. No allowance will be paid.
If the meter is recording usage when you are not using water, you may wish to call a plumber* to investigate the leak.
Outside
Turn off your internal stop tap and repeat the leak test.
If the stop tap is missing or inoperable, you will have to arrange to have one fitted before the next step of the test can be carried out.
5. Is your meter still recording usage after stop tap isolation?
Yes
If the meter d ia Is move after you have isolated the internal stop tap,
there could be a leak between the meter and the internal stop tap.
Contact your water retailer for assistance if needed.
No
If the meter has stopped moving then the leak must be inside the premises after the stop tap.
You are responsible for locating and repairing the leak and no allowance is due from the water retailer.
Printable PDF copy of the leak test